Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Broncos Shooting Blanks

For the fourth time in the last five games, the opposition goaltender was named the game's first star. Tonight it was the Hurricanes Linden Rowat's turn. His 38 saves back-stopped his team to a 2nd straight road win.Although not the only reason the Broncos lost 2-1 on this night, it was a contributing factor. The main reason could be linked to a slow start which led a 2-0 Hurricanes lead.The Broncos have given up the first goal in the last five games and have been chasing from behind way too much. The Broncos haven't led a game in regulation since New Year's Day.With that said, they have managed a pair of shootout wins during the dry spell. How dry is it? Opposition goaltenders have posted a .962 save percentage on the Broncos the last five games. Cody Eakin cut the lead to 2-1 in the final minute of the 2nd period on a 2-on-1 set-up from Brad Hoban.Again a late push would produce a quantity of chances and two cross-bars but no goals.Brad Hoban and Matt Tassone seem to be the hardest hit with bad luck around the net. Stepan Novotny would be up there too.The Hurricanes played a solid road game despite giving up 39 shots. They played hard and determined and did a good job of killing penalties.Next up, Saskatoon is here tomorrow night.

7 comments:

O
said...

Someone needs to teach these guys how to one-time a shot. Stopping to set up a shot just gives the goaltender time to set up. Evans did this over and over, this isn't pee-wee any more. Turning into powder puff hockey, only a couple guys hitting. Always in a chase mode lately, not sure what's going on.

They also need to spend some practise time hitting the net, 39 shots on goal but probably twice that many directed towards the goal with half of those wide and the other half blocked. Also, at this level, haven't the d-man figured out that point shots 10 feet off the ice don't accomplish much.

It's a lack of pure skill. There is not enough time to think at this level. The kids with skill get shots through and onetime at high speeds. Lamb is getting the most out of them over the whole course of the season. He wasn't left with a lot of pure skill. Even Eakin, as great as he is at his game, is not a pure skill guy in puck handling and seeing the ice. The Broncos are a ways away in the depth of skill in the org. I sense that the guys are doing everything they can.

I agree with your assessment. The Bronco forwards are as talented and as strong as any in the league. When we show up, our tops 6 can play with any in the league.

Our rookies, prospects and depth chart are stronger than a number of CHL franchises. Craig, Scarlett, Lowry, all have very bright futures.

Eakin may not be a "pure" goal scorer but last time I checked he is near the top of the WHL and there is a reason he was signed by the Caps.

I am not sure what forwards some of these folks are watching. Last night Lethbridge played extremely responsibly in their own end. Shots were blocked and the scoring areas where plugged. The Hurricans collapsed down low and the result was limited scoring.

Our back end and pp misses the strong first pass, vision and quarter backing of a player like Doyle. The PP has too much cycling and perimeter play. Greasy is better than pretty. Puts to the net and traffic. A shot not taken is an opportunity not taken. Special teams are the difference maker in the Dub. We need to get the PP rolling!

Some folks get what is going on in Broncoville. I know that you know Keener. Last night Rowat was on fire-we didnt give the Hurricanes enough credit. The East is a very tight division. If we dont get things rolling we are not going to have to worry about finding a playoff home for March. I am really surprised by the patience shown by the fans this year. There is enough talent to go a round or two here for sure.

I am not talking about base skill, or even high level skill. I am talking about over the top skill. The initial post was about one timers and hitting nets. I am not ripping the kids or the present coach. I am saying we do not have that 'make something out of nothing' component that gets pucks through and gets shots off no matter what. Certainly not knocking anyone. As a matter of fact, I said that I believe this group is doing all it can.

Twitter @jonkeenNLsports

Jon Keen is the play-by-play voice for the Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League and host of the "WHL This Week" Radio Show which is available at whl.ca.
After spending seven seasons as play-by-play broadcaster for the Swift Current Broncos, Jon headed west to call games for the Blazers for the start of the 2010-11 season on Radio NL
Jon has covered some major events in the sports world including NHL drafts in Ottawa (twice), Raleigh, NC, Vancouver and Columbus.